SDSU sees this as a combo grudge match/respect-check. The Aztecs have won only seven of their 35 meetings against the Cougars, a former conference opponent in the WAC and Mountain West. But led by running back Adam Muema (1,355 yards, 16 TDs), SDSU finished tied atop the Mountain West this season with Nevada and Boise State and had road wins over both in an ongoing seven-game winning streak. Think BYU, and you think offense. But the Cougars are third in the nation in total defense (266.3 yards per game) and fifth in scoring defense (14.7 points per game). Still, the offense, led by receiver Cody Hoffman, looked more BYU-like late in the season, scoring more than 40 points in three of its last four.

NFL prospect to watch: Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah, LB, BYU. He looks the part of sturdy NFL end at 6-6, 270 pounds and has the pass-rushing skills for a 4-3 scheme. A native of Ghana, Ansah has a chance to be a first-rounder.

SN’s pick: BYU. This is not your father’s WAC matchup. Defense will rule the day, and the Cougars will clamp down on the Aztecs’ rushing attack.